Revisiting the 5 greatest moments of Dirk Nowitzki's career, as Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looking to retire his jersey

No. 3: Passing Wilt Chamberlain (2019)

Dirk Nowitzki passed Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list

Anytime a player starts to climb the all-time scoring list, there's always going to be excitement building with fans. With each legendary name a player passes, the buzz builds. And when a player is creeping up in the top 10 toward some of the greatest ever to play the game, that's when the accomplishment gets truly special.

During his final year in the NBA, Nowitzki started to inch closer to passing legendary big man Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points) on the all-time scoring list. After hitting a jumpshot against the New Orleans Pelicans in March, Nowitzki passed Chamberlain for sixth on that list.

It was a special moment for Nowitzki, as he was able to accomplish the feat in front at home. Nowitzki received a standing ovation from the crowd, which included a number of players who played with Nowitzki on the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki finished his career with 31,560 points, right behind Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan (32,292).

No. 2: NBA MVP and an elite club (2006-07)

Dirk Nowitzki, left, and former NBA commissioner David Stern after winning the 2006-07 NBA MVP

It seemed as if it was only a matter of time before Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki found himself a serious contender for the league's MVP award, and that time came in 2006-07.

That season, Nowitzki had one of the most impressive seasons by anyone in NBA history. Nowitzki averaged 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

More than those numbers, it's the efficiency that sets his season apart.

Dirk Nowitzki became one of nine players ever to finish a year in the 50-40-90 club, shooting 50.2% from the field, 41.6% from 3-point range and 90.4% from the free throw line. That combination is one of the most challenging things to do throughout an entire season, even for some of the top shooters in NBA history. The fact Nowitzki did so as a forward made the accomplishment even more impressive.

No. 1: Championship and Finals MVP (2011)

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki after winning the NBA Finals & Finals MVP

The 2011 NBA title run could not have been accomplished without the performance of Dirk Nowitzki.

Dirk Nowitzki looked possessed as he carried the team to the NBA's biggest stage. In the Western Conference Finals, Nowitzki was unstoppable. Facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nowitzki averaged 32.2 points while shooting 55.7% from the floor.

After the Mavericks defeated the Thunder in five games, a matchup against LeBron James and the Miami Heat awaited. After an impressive Game 4 performance while ill as the Mavericks tied the series at 2-2, Dirk Nowitzki put together one of his best outings in Game 5, totaling 29 points and six rebounds while shooting 9 of 18 from the field.

Dallas won Game 6 to claim the title, giving Nowitzki his first and only NBA championship. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 26.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.